Form printing solutions web server using a java vending machine for pulling a jetsend form print job from a server and outputting to a device

ABSTRACT

A forms printing apparatus includes a web server having a forms solution for supporting forms generation and transmission via an information exchange protocol. The web server includes a control interface for generating and transmitting forms as electronic material. The apparatus includes a request initiating client machine having a web browser and a network connection with the web server. An output device of the apparatus is selected by a user and supports an information exchange protocol and a control interface for receiving forms transmitted from the web server and rendering user-perceptible forms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a forms printing solution, and moreparticularly to a World Wide Web based client server application fordistribution of forms through a server to a vending machine appliancehaving raster bit image capabilities, such as a Jetsend capable printer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Techniques for printing electronic forms through the World Wide Web arewell known. One such technique involves the transfer of hypertextmark-up language (HTML) between devices over the World Wide Web (WWW). Aseries of HTML commands recognizable by a web browser are used to rendera document. In the case of a form, such HTML commands are interpreted bydifferent web browsers in slightly different manners. For example,Netscape Navigator will decide how much space to insert after aparagraph break HTML command “<P>” based upon characteristics internalto Netscape Navigator. Such decision is discretionary, based upon thespecific Web browser. Internet Explorer will decide how much space toinsert at the same paragraph break, with such decision oftentimesresulting in a different spacing than for Netscape Navigator. However,when printing forms that require precise spacing, such variation isunacceptable. For example, medical reimbursement forms oftentimes haveboxes in which users insert information such as a doctor's name.Variations in size of such boxes, or organization within a pageoftentimes will not prove exact enough. Web browsers can control fontsizes and spacing of information through specification of generalpreferences. However, such general preferences are really designed toenhance viewing of such information on a computer screen and space/sizesuch information to enhance user viewing, regardless of the screen beingused. Most web-based document transmission is implemented in thismanner. However, the document layout is not precise. Hence, HTMLtransmission of forms when web printing to remote web connected clientswill not generate precise forms.

One technique for transmitting forms involves sending aword-processor-based document via a network from one client to anotherclient, such as between two users over the Internet. For example, onetype of word-processor-based document is Microsoft Word. The transferand printing of a Microsoft Word document is one technique for exactlyrendering forms. Microsoft Word documents are externally dependent on acommon font being installed on both the request initiating and targetclient machines. Hence, Microsoft Word documents are not self-contained.Additionally, the common font must be called, or identified, with thesame name by each machine. Furthermore, the font called out in thedocument must have the same binary definition on both machines, orcomputers. In addition, compatible versions of Microsoft Word need to beprovided on both machines. Even furthermore, both machines have to beable to run Microsoft Word, i.e. the machines need to have compatiblecomputer architectures and operating systems.

More particularly, the transfer of a Microsoft Word document in “TimesRoman Bold” font requires the provision of such “Time Roman Bold” fonton both the request initiating and target client machines. Generally,this transfer works when standard fonts are used. However, when lessfamiliar and non-standard fonts are used problems can occur.Furthermore, it is possible that one client has a different bit image ofthe same font which can lead to variations in printed characteristics ofthe document or form.

Another technique involves the use of specialty software such as AdobeAcrobat. Adobe Acrobat is a page-rendering language wherein all of theinformation needed to transfer documents is encapsulated. Adobe Acrobatuses a Portable Document Format (PDF) file in the Acrobat documentexchange system. Essentially, PDF files generally are self-contained, incontrast with Microsoft Word documents. However, such information has tobe installed on the request initiating (or transmitting source) clientmachine as well as on the target (or receiving) client machine.Furthermore, Adobe Acrobat still has an external dependency in thatsupport for Adobe Acrobat has to be provided on both machines. Forexample, the machines need compatible computer architecture andoperating systems, and a copy of Adobe Acrobat has to be loaded onto therequest initiating client machine and the target client machine. Eachmachine also requires binary executable storage, sufficient processingpower and sufficient document storage.

The need to provide a copy of Adobe Acrobat on both the requestinitiating machine and the target client machine increases cost andcomplexity of the request initiating client machine. The requestinitiating client machine needs Adobe Acrobat to set up, generate andencapsulate the document. Such document is transmitted as a PortableDocument File (PDF) file to the target client machine. The target clientmachine needs Adobe Acrobat to take the PDF file and generate suchdocument from the encapsulated form. The target client machine pulls upAdobe Acrobat and runs the PDF file through Adobe Acrobat to generatethe document for viewing and/or printing on the target client machine.For the case where a request initiating machine is a digital cellulartelephone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or some otherrelatively simple internet access device, the need to provide AdobeAcrobat will greatly increase cost and complexity by also adding to thehardware/software requirements of the appliance. For example, manypersonal digital assistants (PDAs) are not capable of supporting AdobeAcrobat.

Accordingly, Adobe Acrobat forms a fairly common helper application thatgenerates and transmits documents in a relatively seamless manner, butrequires additional storage capabilities, additional processcapabilities, an application (Adobe Acrobat) to process on both therequest initiating and target client machines, and requires that bothrequest initiating and target client machines have supported hardware.For many simple internet access devices, such support is not available.For example, personal digital assistants (PDAs), generally do notsupport such functionality. Hence, such devices cannot supportprocessing by the request initiating client machine which is required byAdobe Acrobat. If all an individual wants to do is remotely print adocument, the request initiating client machine has to perform quite afew functions.

Therefore, there exists a need for a forms printing solution thatenables the selection and distribution of a type of predeterminedcontent via client machines having World Wide Web access capabilities.Furthermore, there exists a need to provide such capabilities even withmachines forming appliances having very limited capabilities such asdigital cellular telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to enable selection and printing ofdesired forms from a web server to a selected one of several potentialoutput devices with a simple client machine such as an internet accessdevice.

Another object of the invention is to render user-perceptible forms thatare dimensionally and graphically accurate irrespective of the outputdevice used to print such forms.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a Java vending machinecontaining selected forms for printing at identified output devices.

Even another object of the invention is to provide a tool set forassisting a customer site administrator in creating/maintaining a formsmenu, and for controlling the versions of forms beingaccessed/distributed by selected users.

This invention features an apparatus and method usable as a World WideWeb based client server application for distribution of forms through aserver to a vending machine appliance having raster bit imagecapabilities, such as a Jetsend capable printer. Such apparatus andmethod enables the use of appliances having very limited capabilitiessuch as digital cellular telephones and personal digital assistants(PDAs) for sending form print requests to a print-capable client machinecoupled via a web server and having a known web address.

According to one aspect of the invention, a forms printing apparatusincludes a web server having a forms solution for supporting formsgeneration and transmission via an information exchange protocol. Theweb server includes a control interface for generating and transmittingforms as electronic material. The apparatus includes a requestinitiating client machine having a web browser and a network connectionwith the web server. An output device of the apparatus is selected by auser and supports an information exchange protocol and a controlinterface for receiving forms transmitted from the web server andrendering user-perceptible forms.

According to another aspect of the invention, a forms storage, retrievaland printing system includes a server. The server has a memory, adatabase defined in the memory, a forms solution for supporting formsgeneration and transmission, and a control interface for generating andtransmitting forms as electronic material across a networkinterconnected with the server. The system includes a request initiatingclient machine having a browser and a network connection. An outputdevice of the system is selected by a user and supports an informationexchange protocol and a control interface for receiving formstransmitted from the web server and rendering user-perceptible forms.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for selectingand printing forms remote from a user includes the steps of: accessing aweb-capable server with a web-accessible client machine; selecting aform to be printed from a selection of forms stored on the server;selecting a web address of an output device for printing the selectedform having an information exchange protocol and a control interface forreceiving forms transmitted from the web server and renderinguser-perceptible forms; and printing the rendered form at the outputdevice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings depicting examplesembodying the best mode for practicing the invention.

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a forms storage,retrieval and printing system according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure and operationof the forms storage, retrieval and printing system of FIG. 1 inaccordance with one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating in further detail thestructure and function of the apparatus and methods of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts”. U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.

A “client” is a workstation or computer operating in a client/serverenvironment. A client/server is an architecture in which the client isthe requesting machine and the server is the supplying machine. Theclient serves to provide a user interface, and may perform some or allof the application processing. The server maintains databases andprocesses requests from the client to extract data from or update thedatabase. Examples of a “client” include personal computers such asdesktop, laptop, and notebook computers, personal digital assistants(PDAs), pen computers, digital cellular telephones having internetaccess capabilities, any form of internet access device, smart printers,facsimiles, document processing devices, multiple function peripheral(MFP) devices, etc.

“Jetsend is an information exchange protocol for fixed-function andprogrammable devices available from Hewlett Packard Company (HP).Jetsend comprises a surface interaction protocol wherein communicationbetween devices takes place entirely via surfaces. The part of adevice's state that can be connected is called its surface. Jetsendsynchronizes the surfaces of connected devices. The device surfaces,which must contain the same kinds of information, consist of informationthat can be rendered perceptible to people by visual, audible ortangible means. Hence, Jetsend protocol packages and sends perceptiblephenomena and changes of such phenomena. Jetsend encodings are referredto as electronic material. Jetsend is presently commercially availablefrom Hewlett Packard of Palo Alto, Calif.

A “cookie” is a small piece of information which a web server can storetemporarily with a web browser. A web browser is a program used to viewdocuments on the World Wide Web. Hence, a browser can remember certainspecific information which is useful for the browser to later retrieve.For example, “on-line shopping malls” contain “shopping carts” thatallow you to browse through content on a website. A user can add itemsto the “shopping cart” while they browse. A list can then be generatedof items that have been picked up so that all the items can be paid forall at once when you are finished shopping. As you browse variouswebsites, servers send cookies to the user's web browser which arestored by the user's computer memory.

Java is a programming language for World Wide Web applications, from SunMicrosystems. Java programs are embedded into HyperText Markup Language(HTML) documents.

A Java vending machine is a web server having a file system containingJetsend capabilities, including Jetsend jobs. Additionally, Applicant'sJava vending machine includes a web page, and requires a Java-capableweb browser and an HTML interface.

“Forms” are documents having blank spaces to be filled in, or documentshaving an orderly arrangement of textual and/or graphical material.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of Applicant's invention in the formof a Web based client server application depicted as a forms printingapparatus indicated by reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 comprises aforms printing solution that includes a forms storage, retrieval andprinting system. System 10 provides a powerful, flexible, easy andcost-effective solution for printing forms. The time associated withdeveloping specific forms, and for printing and distributing such formsis greatly minimized. Additionally, system 10 is open and extensible,making it capable of running on most computer systems.

Traditionally, forms have been generated for a specific use, thenprepared by a print shop in large quantities. Typically, printed formsare ordered in large quantities to save costs and are stored where theyare used and made available to users. However, such forms oftentimesbecome outdated long before they are ever used, as forms often requireupdating and/or revision. Hence, system 10 provides a web baseddistribution system for delivering forms to a desired destination.Furthermore, such forms are delivered to hard copy devices in a mannerthat is not dependent upon the particular characteristics of the hardcopy device.

According to one construction, system 10 comprises a World Wide Webbased forms printing solution that is able to distribute forms to one ofseveral output devices. Additionally, system 10 can be implemented withversion controlled forms that enable a system administrator to controlthe distribution attributes of different forms through a web server. Aweb server is a web site, or a server on the Internet that containsWorld Wide Web documents.

As shown in FIG. 1, the forms storage, retrieval and printing system 10includes a request initiating client machine 12 operative for accessinga web-based network server 14, selecting a form 16 to be printed fromserver 14, and enabling transfer of such form from server 14 to anothertarget client machine 18 where form 16 is generated as output 20. Asshown in FIG. 1, client machine 12 comprises a personal digitalassistant (PDA). Optionally, client machine 12 can be formed from anymachine having a web browser and internet access capabilities includingappliances having very limited capabilities such as digital cellulartelephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers,portable electronic devices, and digital pagers.

Network server 14 comprises a web based server on which a selection ofpotentially desired forms are stored, modified, and maintained foraccess from client machine 12 and delivery to client machine 18.

Client machine 18 comprises an output device supporting an informationexchange protocol with network server 14. More particularly, clientmachine 18 comprises a target Jetsend printer having a control interfacefor receiving selected and delivered forms from server 14 for renderinguser-perceptible forms 16 that are printed as output 20. Optionally,client machine 18 can be formed by any device supporting an informationexchange protocol such as Jetsend, for example, a facsimile machine, amultiple function peripheral (MFP) device, a document center, any hardcopy device, a kiosk printer, etc.

Form 16 comprises any document containing textual and/or graphicalinformation. For example, form 16 can include one or more of insuranceforms, medical forms, applications, questionnaires, specificationsheets, graphics rich documents, tax returns, State and FederalGovernment agency forms such as forms for filing and/or prosecuting apatent application with the U.S. patent and Trademark Office. Form 16can include any document containing blank spaces to be filled in,requiring a user to add additional information into the form such asinto a box or onto a blank line corresponding to content printed ontothe form. Additionally, form 16 can include any document having anorderly arrangement of textual and/or graphical information.

According to the implementation depicted in FIG. 1, a first networkconnection 22 is provided between client machine 12 and network server14. A second network connection 24 is also provided between networkserver 14 and client machine 18. In one form, network connection 22 isan internet connection provided via a hardwired telephone line (ISDN).Optionally, network connection 22 can be formed as an intranetconnection. Further optionally, network connection 22 can be a fiberoptic cable connection, or wireless connection including radio frequency(RF) connections, infrared (IR) connections, microwave connections,satellite communication connections, or any other type of suitablenetwork connection.

FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail the structure and operation of aforms storage, retrieval and printing system in accordance with theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1. More particularly, request initiating (ortransmitting) client machine 12 is shown as an internet access device 26including a web browser 28 and a cookie set 30. Web browser 28 comprisesa Java-capable web browser. Netscape Navigator 3 comprises one suitableweb browser 28. Internet Explorer 3.0 comprises another suitable webbrowser 28. Cookie set 30 is used by device 26 to inform the web server14 where to send a user selected/requested form 16. For example, wherethere exists more than one Jetsend capable output device 32, a user candesignate the Jetsend address of such device 32 and request that aselected form be forwarded by server 14 for printing on output device32.

According to other configurations of Applicant's invention, multiplerequest initiating client machines can be provided. Additionally,multiple target client machines 18 can also be provided. It is alsopossible that request initiating client machine 12 and target clientmachine 18 are one and the same machine. For example, such machine cancomprise a Jetsend capable personal computer (PC) coupled with a printerthat need not be Jetsend capable. Accordingly, a user can select form 16via such Jetsend capable personal computer (client machine 12) andforward such selected form 16 to the same machine, where it is thenselected and printed through the Jetsend capable personal computer tothe associated printer.

For purposes of Applicant's invention, a request initiating clientmachine comprises a web browsing apparatus. Similarly, a target clientmachine comprises any device capable of making a form user perceptible.

Network server 14 is shown as a web server configured as a Java vendingmachine 34 having a file system 36 containing individual forms 16.Server 14 is configured with a raster transmission (or informationexchange) protocol 38 and a web forms solution 40. One suitable rastertransmission protocol comprises Jetsend 42. Web server 14 also includesa control interface for generating and transmitting forms 16 aselectronic material. Web forms solution 40 includes a web page 44provided by server 14 on the World Wide Web, and a Java capable webbrowser 46 such as Netscape Navigator 3 or Internet Explorer 3.0. Server14 also includes memory 48 and a database 50. In one form, database 50comprises file system 36 on which individual forms 16 are stored andmaintained.

Target (or receiving) client machine 18 is shown as a Jetsend capablehard copy output device 32. More particularly, output device 32 isconfigured to operate with an information exchange protocol in the formof a raster transmission protocol 38. According to one implementation,such raster transmission protocol 38 comprises a Jetsend protocol device42. Output device 32 has a Jetsend address 52 which is used bytransmitting client machine 12 and server 14 to identify where aselected form 16 is to be printed. Web server 14 transmits a selectedform 16 directly to the selected Jetsend capable output device 32 asdiscussed below in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3.

Output 20 is shown as a selected form 16 that is printed out by outputdevice 32 which is rendered in a user-perceptible form having contentand spacing corresponding with the state that form 16 takes whenresident within server 14. Form 16 is selected by a user of requestinitiating client machine 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, forms storing, reproducing and printing system 10 isdepicted in even greater detail. Web server 14 is illustrated in greaterdetail. Additionally, an optional administrative tool set 54 is shownfor assisting a customer site administrator in creating/maintaining aform menu for selecting forms, and for creating/maintaining specificforms 16 that are accessible on web server 14. Tool set 54 is run andaccessed as a client machine. As discussed in greater detail below,capabilities can also be given to a customer site administrator tocontrol the versions of forms accessible by or distributed to particularusers.

Web server 14 forms a Java vending machine 34. Such machine 34 includesfile system 36, web page 44, Java capable web browser 46, and an HTMLinterface 56. HTML interface 56 forms a control interface. Java vendingmachine 34 comprises file system 36 containing a database 50 ofindividual selectable Jetsend jobs 58. Each Jetsend job 50 comprisesspecific forms 16 that can be selected by a user of client machine 12for printing on output device 32. Optionally, version controlled forms60 can be provided by a user of administrative tool set 54. Forms 60 aretailored for selective user access via administrative tool kit 54 by acustomer site administrator.

Web page 44 of web server 14 comprises a page in a World Wide Webdocument.

HTML interface 56 comprises an interconnection between the hardware,software and a user for establishing links between documents and theWorld Wide Web. HTML interface 56 is used to browse and select desiredor selected forms 16. Furthermore, HTML interface 56 is used to setcookies which determine an address 52 (see FIG. 2) where a selected form16 is to be sent for printing at an output device 18.

Version controlled forms 60 are optionally provided for certaincustomers. Version controlled forms 60 are configured so as to keepJetsend jobs in a Clearcase Version Object Base (VOB). Clearcase is soldby Rational Software, 20 Maguire Road, Lexington, Mass. Clearcase VOBprovides version control for electronic forms databases such that a usercan version the database. For example, a system administrator can take adatabase of versions and access the versions as a file system. Suchimplementation allows an application to think that the versions arefiles, presenting a certain version as a specific file. Versioncontrolled forms 60 further start the web server 14 in a Clearcase View.A configuration specification is set in order to control the versionsthat are being distributed to specific users.

In order to implement Applicant's invention, web server 14 requires aminimum capability of an NT Server. Optionally, a more robust server inthe form of a Enterprise Class Unix Server can also be used.

According to Applicant's invention, data replication and/or multiplesite capabilities can also be provided. Such implementation can bemanaged by using version controlled form 60 as a version control option,and replicating data with a Clearcase Multi-site Product, sold byRational Software.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing apparatus, comprising: a web serverhaving a forms printing solution for supporting version controlled formsgeneration and transmission via an information exchange protocol and acontrol interface for generating and transmitting forms as electronicmaterial; a request initiating client machine comprising a personaldigital assistant having a web browser and a network connection with theweb server; and an output device comprising a surface-interactionprotocol capable printer selected by a user and supporting aninformation exchange protocol and a control interface for receivingforms transmitted from the web server and rendering user-perceptibleforms; wherein the web server comprises a Java vending machine, the Javavending machine operative to pull a user selected Jetsend job from aserver file system and transmit the Jetsend job to a user selectedJetsend output device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising anadministrative tool set.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein versioncontrolled forms are provided by a user of the administrative tool set.4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the web server forms solutioncomprises a Java capable browser implemented via a web page to generatedesired form.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the network connectioncomprises an internet connection between at least one of the clientmachine and the web server, and the output device.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the information exchange protocol comprises Jetsend, andthe output device comprises a Jetsend capable hard copy output device.7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the web server further comprises anHTML interface operative to generate and store a cookie on the webbrowser of the client machine, the cookie containing specificinformation detailing a user selected form to be printed and a networkaddress for the output device selected to generate the form.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the request initiating client includes acookie set used to inform the web server where to send a user identifiedform.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the output device comprises aprinter having a surface-interaction protocol address.
 10. A formsstorage, retrieval and printing system, comprising: a server including amemory, a database defined in the memory, a forms printing solution forsupporting forms generation and transmission, and a control interfacefor generating and transmitting forms as electronic material across anetwork interconnected with the server; a request initiating clientmachine comprising a personal digital assistant having a browser and anetwork connection; an output device selected by a user and supportingan information exchange protocol including a surface-interactionprotocol and a control interface for receiving forms transmitted fromthe web server and rendering user-perceptible forms; wherein the servercomprises a Java vending machine, the Java vending machine operative topull a user selected Jetsend job from a server file system and transmitthe Jetsend job to a user selected Jetsend output device.
 11. The systemof claim 10 wherein the network comprises a World Wide Web.
 12. Thesystem of claim 10 wherein the client comprises an interface accessdevice.
 13. The system of claim 10 wherein the output device comprises areceiving client machine.
 14. The system of claim 10 wherein the controlinterface comprises a Raster transmission protocol.
 15. The system ofclaim 10 further comprising an administrative tool set configured toenable a user to create and/or maintain specific forms that areaccessible on the server.
 16. The system of claim 10 wherein the requestinitiating client machine further comprises a target client machine, andwherein the output device comprises the target client machine.
 17. Amethod for selecting and printing forms remote from a user, comprising:accessing a web-capable server with a web-accessible client machinecomprising a personal digital assistant; selecting a form to be printedfrom a selection of forms stored on the server; selecting a web addressof an output device for printing the selected form having an informationexchange protocol and a control interface for receiving formstransmitted from the web server and rendering user-perceptible forms;and printing the rendered form at the output device; wherein the step ofselecting an output device web address and a form to be printedcomprises the step of storing the web address and the form temporarilywithin a cookie of the client machine, and transmitting the cookie tothe web server.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the client machinecomprises a Java-capable web browser and a cookie set, the output devicecomprises a surface-interaction protocol device, and the servercomprises a Java vending machine and further comprising informing theweb-capable server via the cookie set where to send a user identifiedform.
 19. A printing apparatus, comprising: a web server having a formsprinting solution for supporting version controlled forms generation andtransmission via an information exchange protocol and a controlinterface for generating and transmitting forms as electronic material;a request initiating client machine comprising a personal digitalassistant having a web browser and a network connection with the webserver; and an output device comprising a surface-interaction protocolcapable printer selected by a user and supporting an informationexchange protocol and a control interface for receiving formstransmitted from the web server and rendering user-perceptible forms,wherein respective ones of the user-perceptible forms rendered by theoutput device have content and spacing corresponding with a state of therespective ones of the user-perceptible forms when resident within theweb server; wherein the web server comprises a Java vending machine, theJava vending machine operative to pull a user selected Jetsend job froma server file system and transmit the Jetsend job to a user selectedJetsend output device.
 20. A forms storage, retrieval and printingsystem, comprising: a server including a memory, a database defined inthe memory, a forms printing solution for supporting forms generationand transmission, and a control interface for generating andtransmitting forms as electronic material across a networkinterconnected with the server; a request initiating client machinecomprising a personal digital assistant having a browser and a networkconnection; an output device selected by a user and supporting aninformation exchange protocol including a surface-interaction protocoland a control interface for receiving forms transmitted from the webserver and rendering user-perceptible forms, wherein respective ones ofthe user-perceptible forms rendered by the output device have contentand spacing corresponding with a state the respective ones of theuser-perceptible forms take when resident within the web server; whereinthe server comprises a Java vending machine, the Java vending machineoperative to pull a user selected Jetsend job from a server file systemand transmit the Jetsend job to a user selected Jetsend output device.21. A method for selecting and printing forms remote from a user,comprising: accessing a web-capable server with a web-accessible clientmachine comprising a personal digital assistant; selecting a form to beprinted from a selection of forms stored on the server; selecting a webaddress of an output device for printing the selected form having aninformation exchange protocol and a control interface for receivingforms transmitted from the web server and rendering user-perceptibleforms; and printing the rendered form at the output device, the renderedform having content and spacing substantially similar to a state of therendered form when resident within the web server; wherein the step ofselecting an output device web address and a form to be printedcomprises the step of storing the web address and the form temporarilywithin a cookie of the client machine, and transmitting the cookie tothe web server.